Navigating contrasting journalisms: Latin American responses to China’s training programmes for journalists

For decades, the Chinese government has invested heavily in public diplomacy efforts to enhance its global image. The limited effectiveness of these initiatives has prompted a strategic shift in China’s communication approach. In 2016, President Xi Jinping announced plans to train of 500 media professionals from Latin America. In a region where most media lack the resources to send correspondents to China, training programmes for journalists aim to bypass international news filters and reshape perceptions through curated experiences. In addition, these programmes also serve to showcase China’s journalistic model. Drawing on 35 interviews with journalists from 15 Latin American countries, this paper examines how journalists engage with and respond to contrasting journalistic cultures. The findings reveal a clash between China’s collaborative model and the monitorial and interventionist journalistic roles preferred by Latin American journalists. Participants expressed dissatisfaction with the programmes regarding the lack of access to sources and the inability to practise journalism as they understand it. The overall rejection of China’s approach to journalism highlights deep cultural and professional incompatibilities that undermine the success of these programmes and their journalism training component.